Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 25 novembre 2017
230 of the Best Collaboration Products MAC Has Ever Created
I have a good reason for keeping a MAC Cosmetics store on speed dial. When you're as obsessed with the brand's products as I am, you know that its collaborations are highly coveted . . . and that they sell out fast.
Though MAC has been around since 1984, the launches consistently surprise and excite the company's millions of fans. Its creative partnerships - and brilliant packaging - with fashion designers, cartoon characters, and celebrities cause multiple shopping frenzies throughout the year. (Permanently etched in my brain: the memory of aggressively shoving other beauty junkies aside, pleading with a sales associate to give me the store's last tube of Candy Yum Yum lipstick in 2012.) Believe it or not, MAC releases more than 10 partnership lines annually. The beauty empire has put out over 100 collaborations since its inception, starting with its very first Viva Glam spokesperson, drag icon RuPaul.
The first partnership product I ever snagged from one of the brand's counters was the Mothbrown shadow from the Barbie Loves MAC collection. I still consider this item to be one of my prized possessions, using the violet-tinged taupe only on special occasions.
If you're also a MAC fanatic, join me as I reminisce over some of the most memorable collections of all time. From Hello Kitty to Giambattista Valli and every collection in between, there are hundreds of beautiful, brilliant products to ogle over. These items are all tragically limited edition (many of them being discontinued), but there could still be hope! MAC has been known to resurrect fan favorites, so maybe you'll be able to shop one of these wondrous formulas in the future.
Jump to:
[Barbie Loves MAC] [Heatherette] [Hello Kitty] [Alice + Olivia] [Venomous Villains] [Lillyland] [Wonder Woman] [Viva Glam Original] [The Simpsons] [Giambattista Valli] [Trolls] [Selena]
A Double-Duty Hair Idea For Naturally Curly Brides
Sleek looks never go out of style for a formal affair, but if you have curly hair, you'll want to make sure you're applying heat the right way to prevent damaging those delicate strands. Anthony Dickey, cofounder of Hair Rules Salon in New York, has the solution to getting the smoothness you desire, all while maintaining the integrity of your hair. So convert your curls into sultry vintage waves, or opt for a more modern asymmetrical updo. Here are two looks you'll love to try this holiday season.
20 Beautiful Bronde Color Ideas to Inspire Your Fall-Weather Makeover
While beauty girls have many reasons to love Fall, one of our favorites is that we get to use the season as an excuse to switch up our style. We pull our best vampy lipsticks out of our stashes, all things pumpkin spice are added to our routines, and we add a bit more brooding color to our hair. If you're not quite brave enough to try out smoky lilac strands, consider testing out the more natural - but equally beautiful - dye trend known as bronde hair.
"Bronde hair color is the perfect marriage of blond and brown hair," said Lauren E. Hack, colorist and cofounder of Lauren+Vanessa salon in New York City. The style is typically achieved using balayage, in which color is "swept" on to the hair strand by strand. This melds the hues together, creating a more natural, sun-kissed effect that looks neither definitively blond nor brunette. While it can also be achieved using traditional foils, Hack prefers to combine both techniques to make the ends of her clients' hair look a bit lighter.
While it's usually women with brown- or black-toned hair who opt to test-drive the bronde trend, blondes love it too - it adds dimension to "tired-looking" color. "It's great for the woman who is low-maintenance," Hack added.
If you're uncertain whether this color trend is ideal for you, keep your complexion in mind. "This hair color is flattering on most women, but especially those with olive skin or light beige skin," said Hack, who pointed to Jennifer Lopez as a shining example of gorgeous bronde hair.
Bronde isn't just a hot trend or an excellent option for transitioning your color during the colder months (though it is both!). After you hit up the salon and get this dye job, a mere glance in the mirror at your new style will make you feel ready to conquer the Fall season. Keep reading for some of our favorite examples of bronde hair from Instagram.
8 Angels Reveal Their Favorite Victoria's Secret Fragrances - Ever!
While Victoria's Secret is undoubtably known for its amazing lingerie, sleepwear, and sporty styles - the fragrances are some of the popular products there in terms of sales. Growing up, you likely bought one from your local mall. And while there are many nostalgic VS fragrances, the brand has been launching fresh scents like Love and the limited-edition Bombshell Shanghai 2017 ($55) to cater to modern shoppers.
Backstage before the 2017 Victoria's Secret Show in Shanghai, we quizzed the Angels on which one is their go-to scent!
13 Men's Fragrances That Women Find Attractive
Scent and memory are two things that are closely tied together. And just like your mother is devoted to her signature fragrance, you probably associate certain aromas with the men in your life. We can still recall the smell of Zest bar soap and fresh-cut grass that used to emanate from our dad on the weekends. So in the name of Father's Day, we've compiled our favorite colognes to suit every male personality - the lumbersexual, the dapper corporate climber, and even the adventurous retiree.
How Many Hours of Sleep You Need Based on Your Zodiac Sign
You may be a night owl or an early riser, but turns out, the stars might have some say in what sleeping patterns you exhibit. And no matter if you're fighting your sign's natural tendencies or not, there might just be a certain number of hours of nightly shut-eye that can keep your body balanced and well, based on the zodiac. (And, get this: the way you meditate for balance is also influenced by your zodiac sign.)
Of course, you're better off listening to your body and the stars here - even if that means hitting the hay earlier than you'd like in order to secure those extra minutes - as you might find yourself getting more sick, tired, or hostile if you're skimping on those zzz's. (And those around you will probably urge you to get some rest, as well.)
Goods news - we found out how many hours you need each night based on your sign in order to avoid being that angry, bitter customer waiting in line at Starbucks on your morning commute. Here, astrologer Joshua MacGuire shares his tips. It's pretty important to follow, as lack of sleep can damage your health long-term.
Filthy Dishwasher? How to Naturally Clean It
Yes, your dishwasher is made for washing dishes, but what happens to all the bits of food and other grime that get washed away? Sadly, they don't magically disappear. Just like the sink, giving your dishwasher a good cleaning keeps it from being a deceptively dirty spot. And this cleaning solution uses natural ingredients and is complete after a single dishwasher cycle with absolutely no scrubbing.
- Empty your dishwasher, and remove or pull out the lower dish rack as far as possible. Locate the drain, and clean around it, removing the filter and thoroughly washing. Check all the spinning arms, and clear holes of debris or buildup with a paper towel.
- Place one cup of plain white distilled vinegar in a container on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Now pour a half-cup of baking soda into a small dish and place on the top rack, or swap for two dishwasher-cleaning bombs.
- Run the dishwasher, and let the vinegar and baking soda work their magic. Vinegar is naturally antibacterial, breaking up buildup while cleaning. Baking soda helps bust up hard water collections and works together with the vinegar to superclean the inside of your dishwasher.
- Once the dishwasher has run through the cycle, let it sit closed for 20 minutes and continue to steam clean. Now open the dishwasher, and wipe the inside with a paper towel or soft sponge. Along with being shiny clean, your dishwasher will work wonders on your dishes!
Add cleaning your dishwasher to your monthly cleaning list, and your dishes with thank you.
Make These 69 DIY Cleaning Products For Pennies
If you're tired of reaching for cleaning products with ingredients you can't even pronounce, then head to your local grocery store for a few basic components, and make your own. These eco-friendly concoctions will leave your house sparkling. From window cleaner to grout whitener, you'll be amazed at how easy these DIYs are to pull off. And after making the initial investment for the all-natural ingredients, these cleaning supplies cost pennies per concoction to make.
Queen Letizia Wears Outfits No Other Royal Could Pull Off - You'll Want to See Them!
Queen Letizia of Spain, who normally likes to wear the same classic pieces time and time again, has been showing off some new additions to her wardrobe in 2017. It all started with an embellished Felipe Varela teal gown you need to see from the side, moving then to a new office-ready tweed dress and most recently a layered look a fashion stylist would clap for. Keep reading to see those and more outfits the journalist-turned-royal has expertly worn this year so far.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
12 Simple Holiday Traditions Your Family Can Embrace This Year
The holidays are an exciting time - the food, the gifts, the holiday movies! - but some people feel dread rather than delight during this time of year because of the loss of a loved one, the stress that comes with curating a Pinterest-perfect Christmas experience, or the letdown that ensues after New Year's Eve.
But there are ways to combat the holiday blues: traditions. Parents already know that children find great comfort and stability in rituals and repetition, but adults also benefit from having something to look forward to year after year. No matter your situation in life, having a trusted, joyful ritual that brings back happy memories can make dealing with the holidays bearable . . . and maybe even enjoyable. What's more, sometimes the simplest traditions make the biggest impact. Pick just one this season for a happier holiday.
At What Age Do Kids Really Start Remembering Things?
When I was 5 years old, I was a daredevil. I loved climbing on roofs, hanging from tree branches, and doing flips off the diving board. But my fearless spirit finally got the best of me one December afternoon. Days before I was set to twirl my baton in a Christmas parade, I climbed up a woodpile that was stacked taller than me, maybe six feet high. I attempted to jump onto a trampoline below, but I missed it by a long shot. When I came crashing down, my left arm snapped like a twig. I still have vivid memories of that day. The day I broke my first bone. The ride to the hospital was awful. My mom held me while I cried. She'd draped a towel over my arm and warned me not to look, but I was very persistent. When she gave in and lifted the towel, I screeched loudly and passed out. My tiny little arm had taken on the abnormal shape of a "W."
Even though this traumatic memory sticks out above the rest, it's not all I remember from age 5. I can recall the names of my three best friends: Tyanna, Scarlett, and Rebecca. I only knew them for a couple years, but I can still see their faces today. While there are plenty of other memories I retained from a very young age, I have very few from my toddler and preschool years. The foggy details I do remember are too faint to put into words. They're more of an image or a situation. As the mother of a 3-year-old boy, I watch my son and wonder what will stick out in his mind. Perhaps our nightly routine: dinner, bath, playtime, bedtime books, and nighttime lullabies. Or maybe spending time at our rented beach house in the Fall months - splashing in the water and playing in the sand. I'm also curious if there's anything I can do to help him remember things in the long run. I sought out an expert to get some answers: Dr. Renee Spencer, a licensed counselor with a doctorate in counseling psychology. Dr. Spencer isn't just educated on the subject, she also works with kids every day, in school and at her private practice. She dropped some major knowledge on the subject.
Remembering Things Before Age 3
There is a lot we still don't know about memory and early brain development, but recent studies have revealed new information. Studies performed on infants have helped researchers better understand the development of declarative or explicit (long-term) memory in infants. Mothers, you will be happy to know that the one thing they may never forget is the sound of your voice.
"One of the explicit declarative memories that they've been able to find in young infants is remembering their mother's voice. Young babies were able to respond through their emotions," Dr. Spencer explained. "As soon as their mother spoke, they would instantly smile or soothe themselves. We don't know how long infants have been able to pick up on their mother's voice in utero, but it's the first place where their memory absorbs information."
Those painful nine months you spent carrying them, feeding them, and growing them are more personal than ever. It's your first chance to talk to them.
Dr. Spencer also explained the difference between semantic memory and declarative. She said infants who cry for their mothers to nurse them are using semantic/survival memory (unconscious), not declarative memory, which is conscious (seeing and knowing).
The Toddler and Preschool Years
Dr. Spencer encourages repetition and routine for all children, but especially ones age 3-7. "Recall and repetition will make things go into long term and stay because it becomes more of a categorized and organized piece of data that is stored into your memory," she said. "The more you start to recall something, the easier it will be to pull it back up. Kids who have parents who talk to them are able to pick up on memory skills early on."
Dr. Spencer also went on to explain how important early memory and brain development are before the age of 5. "The brain is so pliable while they're little that it's the best time to teach them things because they can absorb it all. The more you repeat, the more they repeat," she explained.
I'm amazed when my son memorizes a book after reading it once or twice. But I now realize that our nightly bedtime routine is the reason for that, and it could be contributing to his long-term memory.
Documenting Events and Photos Are Stepping Stones
Parents, be sure to take lots of photos. That silly picture of them with Goofy might help jog their memory as an adult and give them a flashback of a day they thought they'd lost forever.
"They are much more inclined to remember things from a younger age by seeing something like a picture or visualization," Dr. Spencer said.
Traumatic or Painful Memories Stick Out the Most
As mentioned in my story above, I can recall every detail of the day I broke my arm. What I can't recall is my birthday party that year, that Christmas, or the family vacation. Dr. Spencer explains that at a younger age (3-7), our good memories seem to take a backseat to our bad.
"You can remember either/or. We're more inclined to remember something that was traumatic because it hurt us," Dr. Spencer said. "We want to remember what we did that caused us pain versus something exciting we experienced. We try to prevent things from happening, so we remember the things that cause us hurt in order to prevent it from happening again."
Two years after my first broken bone, I broke the same arm again. I wish I'd learned more from my first traumatic experience.
Development of the Hippocampus
"As children become school-aged (7-10) and older, there is much more development of the hippocampus (responsible for the processing of long-term memory and emotional responses) and the ability for recall," Dr. Spencer explained. "The child begins to organize and store information more effectively; that's when we sequence."
This must be why I have a plethora of memories from third grade and beyond. It must also be why my friend Kimmy and I can still repeat every line of a ridiculous song we wrote about our elementary school crushes Brian and Drew. Wonder what they look like all these years later?
It makes me a little sad to think that my son might not remember his first trip to Disney World or seeing that wild moose in Alaska. But one day when he's grown, I'll be able to say, "Before you were 3, you rode on 32 airplanes, danced on stage in front of 1,000 strangers, visited nine different states, and even took on the 12-foot-high zip line at Shipwreck Island Water Park. You are a force to be reckoned with." That's gotta score him a few cool points.
11 Breakout-Busting Sheet Masks For Acne-Prone Skin
By now we're all well aware that sheet masks are the real deal: they can help fight dark circles, make your complexion brighter, and pack hydration into your skin in what feels like record time. But if you're like me (and many others) who suffer from adult hormonal acne, you want to make sure that along with hydrating and minimizing pores, a mask can also pack a real punch to any pesky pimples on your face. Here are 11 masks that are perfect to use during that week before your period, after a particularly stressful day, or on the heels of an alcohol, dairy, or french fry binge.
DIY Blake Lively's Braids For the Ultimate Showstopping Style
Blake Lively has a monopoly on the best waves in Hollywood. Her signature loose style is too relaxed to be called curls yet too glam to be dubbed bed head. And whether it took her hairstylist hours to create or she was born this way, it always looks effortless coming down the red carpet. Her texture is so unique that we're just dubbing it "The Blake" - and it may just be more popular than "The Rachel."
Since doing this seemingly natural style can be trickier than it looks, we enlisted the help of celebrity pro and L'Anza ambassador Ammon Carver to unlock the secrets behind Blake's mane. Hint: having extensions and natural waves helps, but it's not a requirement. You'll also need to stock up on texturizing spray.
Then in classic Blake style, we switched it up into a bohemian braided updo - like that epic side plait from a few years ago - so you get two looks for the price of one.
Source: Benjamin Stone
20 SFX Makeup Artists to Follow on Instagram If You Want to See Braaaaains
If you need a break from your Instagram's usual feed of pretty unicorn highlighters and neatly stylized avocado toast, then do we have a ghoulish treat for you. We found the 20 best special effects (SFX) and body-painting artists who will give your 'gram an R-rating.
Remember, what you're about to see is a barrage of blood and guts, so if you're easily disgusted, best to turn away now and stick to your avo toast.
10 Aluminum-Free Deodorants That Actually Keep You Stink Free
You can't talk about natural deodorants without a quick lesson in B.O. 101. First you need to know the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. An antiperspirant has chemicals like aluminum to stop sweating altogether. The aluminum salts plug the sweat glands, preventing perspiration. On the other hand, a deodorant masks and neutralizes odor. But where does the stink come from in the first place? When the glands in your armpits emit sweat, the liquid interacts with the bacteria in the area to emit unsavory smells.
Natural deodorants use essential oils like tea tree and witch hazel to curb the bacteria. Some also have other less harmful minerals like zinc ricinoleate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to keep the underarm area dry without stopping sweat altogether. In addition to getting rid of aluminum, most are also paraben free and safe for sensitive skin. If you're thinking about giving up antiperspirant, start with these 10 formulas that actually keep the stink at bay.
This Is Exactly What You Need to Eat For Breakfast to Lose Weight
Did you know you can use the first meal of the day as a tool to lose weight? Want to know how? We've enlisted the expertise of two nutritionists - Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition - to share the perfect equation for how to make a scrumptious and satisfying breakfast that will help you lose weight. Follow their advice below to start seeing results.
Calories
Aim for a range between 300 and 400 calories. If you're trying to lose weight, stick with the 300 to 350 range, and if you're trying to maintain weight, especially if you're working out, shoot closer to 350 to 400 calories.
Carbs
About 45 to 55 percent of your breakfast calories should be devoted to carbs, which is about 40 to 55 grams of carbs. Skip sugary and overly processed foods or those made with enriched white flour, and choose whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Protein
About 15 to 20 percent of your breakfast calorie amount should be protein, which works out to about 13 to 20 grams. Getting enough protein at breakfast is important for keeping you satisfied throughout the morning. And studies have shown that getting at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast may help you lose weight as well. Eggs, dairy products, soy milk, protein powder in smoothies, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are great sources of protein.
Fats
Shoot for about 10 to 15 grams, which is about 30 to 35 percent of your total breakfast calories. Instead of saturated fats like bacon and cheese, go for monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) like olive oil, nuts and seeds and the butters made from them, and avocado.
Fiber
Aim for about 25 percent of your recommended daily total of 25 grams per day. That works out to about six grams, but it's OK to go above that, as long as it doesn't bother your digestive system. Berries, pears, apples, greens and other veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help you reach that goal.
Sugars
If you follow the equation for carbs above, then you won't have to worry about going overboard on sugars, especially if you're eating a combination of foods like fruits, whole grains, and dairy products. But for a ballpark number to keep in mind, stick to 36 grams or fewer. And when it comes to added sugar, try not to exceed six grams - that's about 1.5 teaspoons' worth of any sweetener (white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave).
Timing
Ideally you should eat breakfast within 30 to 60 minutes of waking up. If you're not keen on eating anything big first thing, split this meal up into two parts, having something light close to waking up and the other half about an hour and a half later. This also works well if you're a morning exerciser and prefer not to have a full stomach while you work out. If you're exercising, you can aim to have the more carbohydrate-based portion of your breakfast (fruit, toast, etc.) prior to working out and the more protein-centric portion afterward.
A Few Examples of Perfect Breakfasts
- Steel Cut Oats With Fruit and Nuts: Steel cut oats not only have more fiber than an equal amount of rolled oats, but they also have more protein since you're eating more of the original grain. Cook one-half cup steel cut oats in a mixture of one-half cup water and one-half cup unsweetened soy milk. Top with one-half cup blueberries, one tablespoon chopped walnuts, and one teaspoon drizzle of maple syrup.
Calories: 328
Total fat: 9.7 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Carbs: 51.1 grams
Fiber: 7.2 grams
Sugars: 16.6 grams
Protein: 11.8 grams - Mexi-Egg Wrap: Scramble one egg and one egg white with two tablespoons black beans, one-quarter cup chopped tomato, and two tablespoons onion, until eggs are set. Stir in one cup spinach. Fill a nine-inch whole-wheat tortilla with the egg mixture and top with one-quarter of an avocado, cubed, and one tablespoon salsa. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste.
Calories: 345
Total fat: 15.7 grams
Saturated fat: 3.5 grams
Carbs: 36.8 grams
Fiber 9.7 grams
Sugars: 3.2 grams
Protein: 17.4 grams - Smoothie and a Hard-Boiled Egg: Pair a carrot cake smoothie made with two medium carrots, half a frozen banana, two cups spinach, one cup unsweetened soy milk (you can use almond), half a scoop plant-based protein powder, one-eighth cup golden raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This is easy to split - have half of the smoothie before your workout, then have the rest plus the egg after the workout.
Calories: 368
Total fat: 12.6 grams
Saturated fat: 5.1 grams
Carbs: 49.5 grams
Fiber: 9.4 grams
Sugars: 25.5 grams
Protein: 25.4 grams
Breakfast Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping out: When you sleep, your body slows down while you're not eating. So when you wake up, if you don't break the fast (yup, that's where the name comes from), your body will burn calories slowly. To jump-start your metabolism and get your body burning calories, you need to eat. Not fueling up also deprives your brain of glucose, which is why you feel foggy-headed and cranky. Think of breakfast as an opportunity to get your fill of valuable nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Skimping: You know skipping breakfast entirely is a no-no, but not eating enough will also backfire. It'll leave you feeling hungry soon after eating, which will cause you to need more food and can translate to more calories consumed over the course of the entire day. Stick to the formula above, and you'll not only feel satisfied longer, but you'll also have more energy for the workouts that can make you drop pounds even faster.
- Imbalanced meal: Leaving out a key component of the breakfast formula such as avoiding all carbs or going too heavy, such as having an all-protein meal, means you're not going to get enough satisfaction or nutrition from this first meal. Following the formula above will allow you to eat a balanced meal while also helping you see weight-loss results.
Looking to lose weight during other times of the day? Here's what to eat for lunch, what to eat at snack time, and what to eat at dinner to lose weight.
What You Need to Know About Adding Muscle to Your Frame
It seems that getting stronger is on almost everyone's list this. But just wanting it won't make it happen. Just going to the gym and lifting weights without a plan won't necessarily make you stronger either. There are many nuances you'll need to consider before even getting to the gym. Here are some tried-and-true methods to get you stronger much faster than you ever thought possible!
According to Micah LaCerte, CPT and owner of Hitch Fit, "The only way to get stronger is continuing to add weight to the movements you are doing in the gym."
But if lifting heavy things alone were the solution, we'd all have lean and toned bodies. The secret is in how you approach your weight-training efforts. According to trainer Brian Pankau, CPT, you should focus on basic moves and approaches. That means doing simple moves like squats, lunges, chest presses, arm curls, rows, and the like while remembering to "add more weight when the final set for a specific exercise is completed too easily." The focus should be on hitting every major muscle group in your body with this progressive approach.
Now that you know what moves to do and how to increase weight, you need to know about reps and sets. Sure, you could just lift and lift until you've exhausted your body, but weightlifting has a simpler and more scientific approach. Your best bet is to focus on doing a few sets of each exercise for about 10 to 12 repetitions, or reps, each. That means you would do each exercise about 30 to 36 times each, but with a 30-to-60-second pause between every set of 10 to 12 reps. This allows your muscles to rest in between sets, so you can get the most out of them every time you lift.
How do you start? Glad you asked! According to Pankau: "Beginners should always stick to lighter loads while working on proper form and technique for exercises. This develops better training habits in the earlier stages and also increases joint range of motion properly to prevent injuries."
But that isn't everything. In fact, LaCerte told us that getting stronger really comes down to two essential factors: proper nutrition in conjunction with planned, progressive weightlifting.
The nutrition part may sound simple, but LaCerte believes that "you need to have a lot of focus on it to stay on track - when you're building strength and muscle, you need more calories than when you're trying to cut weight." While you may think that the weightlifting aspect is the more complex part of the equation, the truth is that it really comes down to the basic principle of "lifting heavier to get strong, which builds muscle," according to LaCerte.
Do These 6 Things on Sunday to Lose Weight All Week Long
You know you should be eating right and exercising all week to reach your weight-loss goals, but when you're so rushed between work and family responsibilities, it's tough to have time to make it happen. A little planning goes a long way, so here are some things you can do on Sunday to ensure you stay on a healthy path all week long.
Plan Your Workouts
Don't just think to yourself that you'll squeeze in a run here and a trip to the gym there - plan it out. Sit down with your weekly calendar and jot down every workout just as you would doctor's appointments and meetings. Use this time to call your fitness buddy or trainer to make dates, check out studio schedules to find classes you want to take, and check the week's weather to figure out which days will be best for outdoor workouts.
Hit the Hamper
Nothing puts a damper on a workout more than not being able to find a clean sports bra, so do a couple loads before Monday, making sure you have everything you need, from your running tights to yoga tops to the towel you use to wipe sweat from your brow. Lay out your outfits for each day's workout so you're not running around the house Tuesday morning trying to find your missing sock.
Gather Your Gear
Collect whatever you need to work out - a yoga mat, sneakers, or earbuds - and make sure everything is set so you can easily grab the items throughout the week. Pack your gym bag, and put it by the door or in your car so you won't forget it when you leave for the day. If you exercise at home, put your favorite fitness video in the DVD player and lay out your dumbbells and resistance band. Sunday is also a great time to make a couple new playlists to inspire your kick-ass workouts (if you don't have time, subscribe to our workout playlists on Spotify).
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Sit down and write out a weekly eating plan including all meals and snacks for the week. If you need a little inspiration, check out these healthy recipes. After making out a grocery list to include everything you'll need to whip them up, hit the health food store and stock up for the week. Since produce is best enjoyed within a few days of purchasing, note what fruits and veggies you'll want to pick up halfway through the week.
Make things even easier by prepping in advance: wash, cut, and store veggies to be used in dinner recipes, cut up fruit for smoothies or snacks, and cook up some whole grains and store them in the fridge. Cook some of these make-ahead breakfasts in advance, like a week of overnight oats, or turn on the crockpot to make something you can eat a few nights that week, like these under-400-calorie meals.
Pack It Up
If you'll be away from home during the day, cut down on the temptation to go out to lunch or grab a cookie by packing lunches and snacks from home. Making five salads for the week is easy and healthy, or you can whip up a big pot of soup and freeze small portions in glass containers to grab for lunch. Also set aside 10 snacks for the week (two per day), such as Greek yogurt, cheese sticks, and containers of carrots and hummus, or measure out 100-calorie portions of trail mix, whole-grain crackers, or cereal. It'll probably take about an hour to get it all ready, but it'll end up saving you time during the rest of the week.
Hit the Hay
Once everything is all set, take a nice hot bath, slip on your PJs, and hop into bed early. Unwind with an evening yoga sequence or a calming book, and you're more likely to have a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed for the week ahead.
How Do You Get Through the Holidays After Losing a Loved One?
The Winter holidays have always been my favorite time of the year. You know those obnoxious people who put a Christmas tree up before December? That was me. I binge-watched the Hallmark channel, played Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on repeat, and drank enough eggnog to fill a swimming pool (bourbon included, of course). By the time New Year's rolled around, my credit card was maxed out and I could barely button my jeans. I couldn't make sense of why anyone wouldn't love the song "Santa Baby" and had a disdain for people with a "Scrooge-y" mentality.
Even though I had sympathy for those in need, I lacked empathy for the average Joe or anyone who put a damper on my Christmas spirit. I assumed their holiday depression could be remedied with a delicious gingerbread cocktail or some warm apple pie. It wasn't until I was pushed into my own worst nightmare that I realized what a fool I'd been.
My "Baby's First Christmas" ornament would be replaced with an "In Memoriam" one.
I became a widow on June 17 of 2014. Three days before my husband died, we had a child together. Bringing my son into this world was nothing short of a miracle, but my joy was turned inside out when I lost Justin. It would be a short six months until December, and I knew it would be a catastrophe. My "Baby's First Christmas" ornament would be replaced with an "In Memoriam" one. I would not just mourn my husband; I would also mourn my baby's first Christmas.
Weeks after Justin's death, I started seeing a counselor. He was helping me through the different stages of grief when out of nowhere he broached the subject of the holidays. "Don't you dare," I said in anger. It wasn't even October and he was already talking about Christmas? Tears filled my eyes when he informed me that I needed to start facing this now. I protested, telling him of my plans to bypass the holiday season. "It won't be something you can escape," he said. When October rolled around, we made plans to have our weekly session. But this time it would be at a Sam's Club. I was clueless as to why. Upon entering the store, I noticed a Christmas lights display. "Follow me," my counselor said. We walked a few feet and stopped at the beginning of an aisle: the Christmas aisle. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was October, yet the insane amount of Christmas decorations made it look like December. As we made our way through the red and green garland, I sobbed while remembering all of my happy holiday memories with Justin. That was the moment I realized I could run, but I could not hide.
My family and I came up with a plan for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. We would remove ourselves from any familiar surroundings, as we knew they would only torment us. I told every friend, foe, and family member of our plans and made it clear that I would not be accepting any gifts or attending anything resembling a turkey dinner. We flew to Newport Beach, CA, on Thanksgiving day. I was refreshed to spend 10 days with my childhood friend Kimmy. It was the first time I could breathe in five months. I'd been surrounded by death for so long, and I finally felt a little free. I ran laps around the cliffs of Corona del Mar while blasting my iPod. I told myself not to stop. I could feel my heart pounding harder the faster I went. When I finally slowed down to catch my breath, I noticed the magnificent view of the cliffs and the beach down below. I felt at peace, and I never wanted to leave.
By the time we returned to Florida, the Christmas holiday was in full swing. Our neighborhood was oversaturated with white lights, wreaths, and blowup Santas. That calm and peaceful place I found on the cliff that day was slipping away. Having always been on the other side of Christmas, i.e. the joyous side, I never realized just how much society throws it in your face. Why had I wasted so much time watching the Hallmark channel when even the SyFy channel played Christmas programs? Did every single restaurant have to shove a gingerbread martini down my throat? And since when did grocery stores start playing holiday music? I couldn't even shop for milk without hearing my once-beloved "Santa Baby." It was everywhere! Serves me right, I suppose. I took each day as it came, and when Christmas Eve finally arrived, we drove to Atlanta, GA.
On Christmas Day there wasn't much to do; most places were closed. My mom discovered the Georgia Aquarium was open, and it seemed like the perfect place to spend our antiholiday. As we walked around with hundreds of strangers, it occurred to me that I had now become that person I'd always loathed, and I felt ashamed. Ashamed of not only the person I used to be, but also the one I'd become. I gazed into the bright blue fish tank and noticed a stingray swimming in my direction. My 6-month-old son pointed at the beautiful creature, and he started giggling. Tears streamed down my face as I smiled and made a promise never to be so selfish again. In that moment, I realized that a big part of me still wanted to buy my son his first Christmas ornament. I found a beautiful silver one in the shape of a baby rattle. It opened up, and on the inside was a place for a photo. I had inscribed: "To my gorgeous son, you are my strength." It still sits next to his daddy's things in a box.
This year will be my fourth Christmas without Justin. I still dread this time of year, and I suppose Christmas will never be the same. But I know that it can and will be good again. I have my son to thank for that.
20 Beauty Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Now
While we're clearly obsessed with learning everything about beauty, we'll be the first to admit that the sheer volume of information can be daunting. And some important tips can get lost along the way. Are you using the right primer? Are you using bronzer correctly? And is powder really necessary? It's easy to make some big makeup mistakes without even realizing it. Well, that stops now. Once you see which mistakes you've been making, you'll swear to never make them again - after all, your beauty reputation is on the line. And don't think that only beauty newbies are prone to errors! So read on: even if you're a professional, you're bound to pick up a new trick or two.
The 45-Minute Running Workout You Need to Finally Ditch Your Belly Fat
You've overstayed your welcome, belly fat. If you've been running consistently but still, you look down and can pinch an inch (or several) from your middle, it's time to kick that gut to the curb. Crunches aren't the answer, so change things up by adding high-intensity intervals to your routine. We recommend doing this 45-minute running workout outside; not only will it help diminish your waistline, doing speed intervals will also help increase speed and endurance.
After completing a five-minute walking warmup, repeat the below minute-long workout 35 times, and end with a five-minute walking cooldown.
| Time | Pace | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|
| 30 seconds | Walk briskly (about 4.6 mph) | 3 |
| 20 seconds | Run moderately (about 6.7 mph) | 4 |
| 10 seconds | Sprint as fast as you can (about 8.6 mph) | 2.7 |
Calories burned per minute: 9.7
Calories burned for warmup and cooldown: 50
Total calories burned: 389.5
*All calculations are based on a 150-pound woman.
Forget About the Box's Instructions; Try Cooking Your Frozen Pizza Like This
If frozen pizza turns out funky for you (burnt spots, soggy bits, general mediocre outcomes), here's a tip from the internet. Forget about the back-of-the-box instructions, and instead, cook your frozen pizza like this guy. Reddit user numbahtwelve says to fully thaw the pizza and crank your oven to the hottest temperature it will go (not the broil setting). Then, cook the pizza on the rack of the oven (unless you own a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet) for five to eight minutes or until the crust crisps and cheese bubbles.
His logic? Restaurants and pizza chains cook the 'za on pizza stones in commercial ovens that are set to 700°F-1000°F. This little hack emulates the professional method without the use of fancy equipment. Now, if you want to be truly fancy, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle crushed garlic or garlic powder on it, before baking. Mmm . . . seems like a simple yet reliable hack to try for the next frozen pizza night.
14 Christmas Cocktails to Get You in the Holiday Spirit(s)
'Tis the season . . . to get tipsy! Get inspired by these festive libations that all feature vodka, like holiday punches, spiked hot chocolate, and champagne mules. Then, whip up a batch to impress your naughty "nice" list party guests.
45 Free Beauty Apps You Need to Download Now
These days we do everything on the phone - find dates, read books, shop for clothes - but you have been truly missing out if you haven't downloaded these beauty apps. You can get your next blowout delivered before happy hour, find a local nail artist to bedazzle your manicure, or schedule when it's time to reapply sunscreen with a few simple taps. Browse our favorite mobile beauty tools, and don't forget to download our POPSUGAR app for free!
15 '90s Toys You Can Buy For Your Kids (or Yourself) Today
There's nothing more fun than looking back with nostalgia at your childhood toys - and the '90s were especially full of amazing treasures. Just in time for holiday shopping (wink, wink), we've compiled a list of classic 1990s toys that are still available to purchase. Enjoy!
An Instructor Gets Real on Why You Aren't Seeing Results From Indoor Cycling
Indoor cycling is one of the best forms of exercise, and I am not just saying that because I'm an instructor. I have been a runner, a swimmer, and an HIIT fan. Cycling provides what I like best about all of those activities. It has the intensity of a boot camp, the cardio and toning elements of swimming, and the challenges of running. And like swimming, it is easy on your joints so it can be a lifelong sport. Most of us don't walk into an indoor cycling class with expert knowledge, so today's coaching session is going to help you get the most out of your ride every time.
It's All About the Prep
You should never walk in off the street and jump on a bike and start pedaling. It starts with wearing the right gear, like moisture-wicking clothing. Cycling shoes, while not a requirement, are recommended since sneakers are not designed to take the constant pressure of cycling in and out of the saddle. You also need to adjust your bike properly, have water and towels handy, and arrive early enough to get set up. Also get some pedaling action in before class. If your legs aren't lubricated and warm by the time the first drill begins, you will be working from a deficit.
Listen to the Instructor
Instructors design a class to maximize several factors: muscle conditioning, heart rate training, muscle endurance, power, and speed. Whether your bike has a lever or a knob, you should be adjusting it pretty much the entire class, listening to your instructor's cues. The ride should simulate a real outdoor experience, which even if you live in the flatlands of Texas like me, you'll find a hill or two around. So when your instructor tells you to add or subtract resistance, listen and obey. They have a specific training goal in mind for you. Isn't that why you're there, instead of sitting on a bike in the gym, training yourself? Let us guide you! Of course, if it becomes too hard or you need a break, always feel free to slow down until you are ready to go again. Cycling, like yoga, is a practice, and you need to listen to your body above all things.
Know How to Pace Yourself
In a closely related topic, you achieve more in class if you can figure out if you are working TOO HARD. That's right, you may be overdoing it, which can impact your efficiency and fitness development. This goes back to following the instructor's lead. If you come to the class, crank up your resistance from the get-go, and do every drill with the heaviest load possible, you are going to burn out - not just your legs, but your cardio and energy systems. You need to be able to operate in both the aerobic (oxygenated) and anaerobic (without oxygen) state. You burn the most fat in the aerobic zone. If you are killing it the entire class, guess what you stop burning? That's right: fat. Your body starts pulling energy sources from the quickest available places, and your fat stores are not that. If you operate in that completely out of breath, muscles burning, close to vomiting zone the entire class, you are overtaxing your systems. You will lose endurance and fatigue much faster the rest of the ride. And you won't see the results you are looking for. So definitely listen when your instructor guides you to turn down the resistance, and take breaks if you ever feel overworked.
Keep It Simple
The last way to help you get the bang for your buck in class is to keep it simple. This may not be the most popular advice, but trust me, there's a reason all you should do on a bike is cycle. We have all seen the videos of the choreographed dancing or studios where they allow you to do weight training while on the bike. I'm going to urge you to leave that stuff where it belongs: in another class, on another day. Cycling works two major systems: cardiorespiratory and the lower muscles. Indoor cycling shouldn't be where you go to work on your upper body. When we twist or bounce or lift weights on the bike, we run the risk of tweaking our alignment and negatively impacting our spines, especially if we are lifting weights over our heads. It is impossible to protect the integrity of our ride and perform weight drills properly at the same time.
You are also losing a major benefit of weight training if you do it sitting on a bike: you are not undertaking load-bearing work. Load-bearing exercises require your body to work against gravity, and indoor cycling does not allow for that. If you want both, find a class that does half cycling, half resistance training - I promise they exist! Just please leave the dancing to Zumba and the weights in gym, and you will get more from your cycling.
If This Is Where Claire Is Headed, Outlander Is About to Get Dark
If you think Outlander heroine Claire Fraser has been through a lot in three seasons, well, you're right. She works as a military nurse in World War II, gets married, travels through time, gets married again, gets pregnant twice, loses a child, gives birth to a child, loses a husband, travels through time again, and is now off on a high seas adventure to the West Indies.
For a preview of what's in store for Claire in what's left of season three, check out our guide to Diana Gabaldon's Voyager. But to find out what might befall Claire in seasons four, five, and beyond, read on below for a guide to Gabaldon's other novels in the Outlander series.
Be warned of spoilers from books four through eight below.
Drums of Autumn
On their way to the plantation owned by Jamie's Aunt Jocasta, Jamie, Claire, Ian, and Fergus are robbed by Stephen Bonnet, a man they had previously helped escape the gallows in Charleston. He makes off with the rest of their money, treasure, and Claire's gold wedding band from her marriage to Frank.
Upon establishing that they don't want to take over Jocasta's plantation, the Frasers settle Fraser's Ridge in North Carolina, making it a place for ex Ardsmuir prisoners to call home. This is where we suspect we'll see Murtagh again after he survived Culloden on the show (he perished there in the books).
After establishing their settlement, word of Claire's skills as a medic spreads far and wide, and she begins traveling the nearby countryside to tend to the sick.
She is reunited with Brianna when her daughter arrives at Fraser's Ridge, having traveled through time to warn her parents because she found a record of their death notice in an old newspaper (though that printing turned out to be incorrect). When Claire learns that Brianna is pregnant, she agrees to keep her daughter's secret that she was raped by Bonnet and he may be the father of her baby.
After Jamie's misunderstanding about who raped Brianna, Claire must travel with Jamie and Ian to rescue Roger Wakefield from a local Native American tribe that is holding him prisoner. They manage to get Roger back when Ian agrees to take Roger's place; Ian is adopted into the Mohawk tribe and stays with them for a long while.
Claire helps Brianna deliver her son, and Roger says he's the baby's father, the paternity notwithstanding.
The Fiery Cross
The Frasers attend Jocasta's wedding where a slave ends up dead and Claire suspects foul play. Upon investigating, they figure out it was one of Jocasta's would-be suitors whose advances she rebuffed. He also attacked Jocasta and her husband-to-be, Duncan. But he was not connected to the men looking for "the Frenchman's gold," a reference to money sent by Louis XV of France to help in Charles Stuart's rebellion.
Back at Fraser's Ridge, Claire starts improving her medical supplies by cultivating her own penicillan from moldy bread. It saves Jamie's life when he is bitten by a snake while hunting.
Much of The Fiery Cross is actually focused on those around Claire, while she works to be the best 18th-century doctor she can be. But at the end of the book, she, Brianna, and Roger all confess to Ian that they're from the future.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Claire holds down the homestead while Jamie must go off to act as an "Indian agent" for the government, which culminates in him helping start a Committee of Safety (one of the first forms of local government in the United States). On a trip to the malting shed (where they are making their own whiskey), Claire is attacked and kidnapped by a group of criminals that includes a fellow time-traveler named Wendigo Donner from 1968.
While captive, Claire is assaulted and raped. She manages to escape and Jamie, Ian, Fergus, and Co. slaughter most of the men who kidnapped her.
As she continues her medical practice, Claire manages to make her own ether and eventually uses it to perform a successful appendectomy on a sick young boy. She also treats people for a devastating plague, saving as many as she can.
Eventually Claire's medical prowess begins to be seen as a kind of witchcraft. When a young pregnant girl named Malva is found dead, Claire tries to save the unborn baby, which lands her in jail on trial for murder. The only thing that saves Claire is the governor's need for a midwife for his wife. Due to rising political tensions in New Bern (the Revolutionary War is less than a year away at this point), Claire poses as the governor's wife so that his real wife may be smuggled out in the middle of the night.
Eventually Malva's father confesses to her murder, and Claire is exonerated and allowed to return to Fraser's Ridge. A few months pass, and Brianna gives birth to a daughter, Amanda, whom Claire says has a heart murmur that will require surgery - surgery she cannot perform safely in 1776. So Brianna, Roger, and their two children travel back through the stones to the 20th century.
Claire and Jamie continue their lives at Fraser's Ridge until Donner and his companions loot their house looking for gemstones (which aid in traveling through the stones). In the riot, Ian sets the house on fire, trapping all the criminals inside. With their house gone, Jamie says they need to return to Scotland to retrieve his printing press.
An Echo in the Bone
Of course, you know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men - they often go awry.
Claire, Jamie, and Ian try to set sail for Scotland, but their ship is stopped by a British naval vessel that presses Jamie and Ian into service. When a second ship attacks the British ship, Jamie is forced to join a militia for a while. During the Battle of Saratoga, Claire works as a medic for the militia and must amputate one of Jamie's fingers. At the second Battle of Saratoga, Jamie's cousin, Simon Fraser, is killed. Simon's general asks Jamie to take Simon's body back to Scotland for a proper burial, so Jamie, Claire, and Ian finally set sail for home.
They arrive at Lallybroch to find that young Ian's father, Ian Sr., is dying, but Claire soon receives a letter from Marsali back in Philadelphia, asking her to come perform life-saving surgery on Marsali and Fergus's youngest, a boy named Henri-Christian. Claire and young Ian return to America, while Jamie stays behind to be with Ian and Jenny while Ian passes.
After Ian's death, Jenny decides to go to America with Jamie, but they miss the boat they initially were meant to be on and must take another one. When the first boat sinks, everyone in America (Claire, Ian, Lord John) think that Jenny and Jamie have perished at sea because they haven't gotten word of the travel plans changing. A British captain wants to then arrest Claire as a spy, so she marries Lord John for protection. The two eventually become intimate - not because they love each other, but out of their shared grief for Jamie.
Written in My Own Heart's Blood
Jamie and Claire are finally reunited (again) and reconcile, even though Jamie has a lot of feelings to work through about Claire and Lord John. But as the country is in the throes of the Revolutionary War, Claire and Jamie don't have much choice but to join the fight.
They join General Washington's army, but within a month Claire is shot, and Jamie resigns his post to stay with her as she recovers. They eventually decide to return to Fraser's Ridge, but are waylaid by the death of Henri-Christian, who dies in a fire in Fergus's print shop. The grieving Frasers and Murrays move to Savannah, GA, to start again, but when the British invade the city, Jamie takes Claire, Ian, Ian's wife Rachel, Jenny, and Fergus's eldest son, Germain, back to Fraser's Ridge. Fergus, Marsali, and their two daughters remain in Savannah.
Back at Fraser's Ridge, the man who raped Claire those many years ago when she was captive appears. Jamie leaves to find him and kill him, while Brianna, Roger, and their two children show back up at Fraser's Ridge.
While Claire has been embroiled in the Revolutionary War, Brianna and Roger have been having a time-traveling adventure of their own that involves Jemmy being kidnapped and all of them ending up decades farther back in time than they meant to go, 1739. But they are eventually able to find each other and get back to Claire and Jamie. And that's where the latest book ends.
If Outlander manages to go eight seasons, suffice to say that there is still plenty of action and adventure in store for the characters.
Decorate Your Coffee Table With These Gorgeous Beauty Books
If you're looking for the perfect way to inspire a book-lover in your life, these beauty volumes should be on your shopping list. They're good for so much more than keeping glass stains off the coffee table. Each page is packed with hair, makeup, and nail tips from celebrities and industry insiders. Whether you like a good self-help book, prefer a historical drama, or salivate over amazing photography, there is an option in this roundup. Keep reading to kick-start your friend's romance with all things beauty.
Au Naturel: Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Make scrubbing your bathroom easier with the help of a homemade toilet bowl cleaner that really works. And this commode cleanser leaves your powder room nice and fresh and costs just about nothing to make. Vinegar and baking soda mix together to create serious bubbling action, which does all the dirty work for you. Sans harsh chemicals, this eco-friendly, natural toilet bowl cleaner will keep your bathroom sparkling.
What You'll Need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Funnel
- Squeeze bottle
Directions:
- Measure and add the baking soda to a large bowl along with the liquid castile soap, which you can find at your local health food store.
- If you'd like to personalize the scent of your commode cleaner, then add several drops of essential oil. Eucalyptus, lemon, orange, or rosemary give this cleaner a lovely scent and are also antibacterial. Measure and add the hydrogen peroxide to the mixture, which is a natural whitener.
- Now measure and slowly add the hot water, whisking gently until things are incorporated. Get ready for some action, and add the vinegar. Give things a stir until the foaming stops.
- Use a funnel to carefully add the toilet bowl cleaner to a squeeze-top bottle, and you're ready to tackle that bathroom!
- Squeeze the cleaner under the rim of your commode, and let it do its job for five to 10 minutes. Give a quick scrub with a toilet bowl brush, then flush.
11 Reasons Dressing Kids During the Winter Is F*cking Impossible
The following post, "10 Simple Steps for Dressing Your Kids in the Cold," originally appeared on the blog Nursing & Cursing.
I can't have any more children. And it's not just because my husband and I can't stay awake long enough to find the end of Stranger Things, let alone locate our sexual chemistry (I feel like it's under the laundry pile?). Or, because after three kids, my pelvic floor is so distressed that it's beyond the hope of modern medicine and is a job for HGTV now.
No, none of these reasons are why I gotta call it at three. The real reason is: if we had another baby, it would probably live on earth and therefore require boots/coats/gloves/hats in the winter. And I ain't got time for that. No, I mean for real. There are only 24 hours in a day, and it isn't feasible to spend 19 of them trying to dress a child so that it doesn't freeze to death.
In order to help my fellow mamas, I have created a step-by-step guide to getting your kids ready to go out on a Winter's day. See below.
- Real quick, can you move to Florida?
- Ask yourself: Are these children literally mine and/or my responsibility today? If there is even the *slightest* chance that your partner, a babysitter, your own mom, your mother in-law, or even Child Protective Services will be showing up soon, let them handle this and go back to bed. Best of luck to them.
- Make your coffee extra strong. If you are used to extra strong coffee, consider doing cocaine today instead.
- Figure out who you are going to dress first, and how much time it will take. Work from oldest child to the youngest, because as a rule, the youngest child in your family can only be dressed by 1-3 phD educated adults working in perfect tandem like a well-honed circus act, but can UNDRESS herself without anyone's help in the time it takes you to refill your coffee or do more cocaine. So like 45 seconds.
- As soon as the youngest child is seasonably dressed, YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW. As a guideline, it takes approximately 15 minutes per child to get ready for a winter's day, but this time can vary and is usually much, much longer and never shorter.
- Start with boots and work your way up. Remember what it was like getting your shoes on when you were 8 months pregnant? How you would bend down to tie your laces? That is a 7-year-old trying to put on boots AFTER her coat. Don't worry, it's OK. This is the whole POINT of Daylight Savings. Our culture has chosen to build an extra hour of daylight into your morning with your kids, so that you can use this time together to hiss at her to PUT. HER. FOOT. ALL. THE. WAY. IN.
- Ok, gloves. If only we could staple them to their tiny little fingers, things would be better. The obvious problem with any "pair" of gloves, is that there is only one glove present and your child probably has two hands. Multiply the number of hands by the number of children with which you have been blessed, and the math is not in your favor. Once you have tracked down roughly enough gloves for your children, administer the gloves to their stubborn, unwilling, clenched little fists. Disregard any feedback your children give you about "fingers, " and instead put the glove on like a sock or a condom and move on.
- At this point, you are probably perspiring lightly. This is a great time to take some deep, meditative breaths. Go ahead, you're late now anyway. Inhale. Exhale.
- Coats! The trick to your child's coat is: where is it? WHERE. Save time by *not* looking on the coat rack, it's not there. Places it could be: your child's cubby, the gym at school, on the school bus, slung over a park bench, or being currently worn by some other child who thought it was theirs yesterday and has been wearing it ever since and might have lice. Pretty easy to get on when you locate it, though.
- We have arrived at hats!!! You made it to the top. Phew, it is hot in here or is it just you? It's you. But hats are the easy part! Just pop it on. A word of caution: be very careful not to acknowledge to your child that this is happening, because for some reason, if they ever notice that they are participating in hats, they become very angry and then they rip their condom-gloves off and tear their hats off and then throw them in a corner that's hard for you to reach.
- Congratulations! One child is ready! Instruct your rapidly over-heating/whining child to sit on the couch. AND NOT MOVE UNTIL IT'S TIME TO GO. Give her your phone. Move on to your next youngest child, completing steps 1-8, until all your children are dressed for this 40 degree day. Go grab your keys, return to find them all huddled around your phone wearing only t-shirts and shorts and begin again.
Leave the house and feel the warmth on your face because it is April now. Come inside and spend a not-insignificant amount of time looking for last year's swim suits.
A Child Allegedly Destroyed $1,000 of Makeup at Sephora, and I Am Unwell
You know when you're watching a horror movie and you have to remind yourself that it's not real? Well, prepare to do that now. In the post below, you can see a rack of completely decimated Make Up For Ever products at Sephora. It's full-on cosmetics carnage, and for beauty junkies, this could classify as graphic content. Before your soul aches, please remember these powders are just store testers. No one was ever going to buy this makeup. (Still hurts, though.)
According to makeup artist Brittany Nelson, we're looking at $1,300 worth of MUFE all destroyed at the hands of one rowdy child.
As Nelson wrote on Facebook, "I'm sure [the child] thought [the powders] were like finger paints and had no idea how naughty they were being. Tons of destroyed product and pissed Sephora cast members are a not a happy place to be. Mammas, please shop for your makeup without your tiny humans." Nelson then went on to divulge that she brings her daughter to Sephora from time to time but imposes a strict "hands in pockets" rule on the kiddo.
Predictably, backlash was swift, and Twitter had a lot of feelings:
Could Kate Middleton's Faux Lob Be a Hint Of to What's to Come?
It's no secret that we're all pretty obsessed with Kate Middleton's hair, and her most recent look is no different. During the Duchess's recent appearance at the Remembrance Sunday service on Nov. 12, she debuted a new updo that we can't help but speculate is practice for an upcoming dramatic cut.
She was seen on the balcony with the Countess of Wessex sporting a carefully coiled faux bob under her hat. If you're familiar with the hair conspiracy theory that Kate debuts a new style before a big event, such as having a baby, she may well be practicing before she decides to get the chop for real.
Whether she's testing out the new length ahead of royal baby number three's arrival, or just trying out a faux bob for fun, we're as obsessed with this look as we are all her other styles.
10 Tips to Snag a First-Class Ticket Upgrade
The majority of airline passengers fly coach, but a small percentage of the population regularly enjoys first-class accommodations on airplanes. While these passengers may be loaded and able to afford the costly tickets, the price is still beyond the bucket for a majority of flyers. So, how are those who may not be swimming in wealth able to snag the luxurious upgrade? Alex Matjanec, CEO of MyBankTracker, has compiled a list of 10 tips to secure a first-class airline ticket upgrade.
1. Be Loyal to One Airline
Loyalty always counts. Most people who join frequent flier programs don't actually fly very frequently. The typical thought process is to sign up for every frequent flier or loyalty program in hopes of saving money across the board. Frequent flier programs don't work like grocery frequent shopper cards, however.
So instead of being a frequent flier member who only racks up a handful of miles on any individual airline, focus all of your efforts on being loyal to one airline. The tickets may cost a little more every so often, but the long-term benefits of stockpiling miles for one company can upgrade your travel to first class.
2. Arrive Late/Early
Airlines recommend arriving at the airport and checking in at least 30-60 minutes before a flight (longer for larger international airports). This is because it takes time to check baggage, pass through security, and arrive at the departure gate.
However, showing up early allows you time to have a casual chat with the gate agent without a large crowd. This is the time where you can build a rapport and ask about an upgrade to first class without other people around whom the airline risks upsetting.
Flights are often overbooked, and by arriving late (though don't arrive too late), you'll probably be bumped to a later flight, at which time you can ask for a first-class upgrade to make up for the inconvenience.
3. Travel During Slow Times
Instead of flying near the holidays and weekends with everyone else, book your flights at the right time - such as in the middle of the week. FareCompare, an airline tracking website, points out the most unpopular days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while dawn, dusk, and red-eye flights are the least popular.
These are the flights that are most likely to have empty seats, meaning there's availability in first class.
Also, look throughout the year for times people don't typically fly. For example, a flight on Thanksgiving Day is much more likely to have availability than flights on the Wednesday prior or Friday after. This, of course, assumes overbooked passengers from previous flights haven't already filled up the plane.
4. Complain About Something
At the end of the day, airlines are customer-serving businesses like any other. This means they'll go out of their way to please a customer and ensure you continue coming back to use their service. Complaining to the airline about any shortcomings is a first step to first-class accommodations.
Politely pointing out these problems and simply asking to be moved will get you an opportunity at a new seat. If the flight is completely booked, there's a good chance there's still an open seat in first class that you can sit in to make up for the problems.
5. Book Through Airline Websites
Travel booking sites like Kayak, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Expedia seek out the lowest possible rates, which has thinned profit margins for airlines and hotels. While these sites make searching for flights and comparing prices easy, don't use them for the final booking.
Instead, after determining which flight is the cheapest bet, log in to that airline's official website and book the flight directly through them. This shows up on their system when checking in, and you'll be treated as a loyal customer who appreciated the airline's marketing as opposed to just another value shopper booking through a discount digital travel agent.
6. Check Emails After Booking
After booking your flight, keep an eye on your emails. The airline will know ahead of time whether the flight is overbooked and will offer more and more aggressive discounts to those wishing to upgrade to first class via email.
Of course, the airline is unable to email customers who used a third-party travel booking site, so you'll be one of a small minority of people receiving these emails for your specific flight. Regardless of who sits where, the airline has to take off on a set schedule, so the closer an overbooked flight gets to departure time, the more drastic discounts are applied to first-class upgrades.
7. Use a Travel Rewards Card
Travel rewards credit cards are a great way to stockpile frequent flier miles without necessarily having to travel. Here are a few of the best travel rewards cards on the market:
With Capital One Venture Rewards Card, you earn two miles for any airline per dollar spent on any purchase, with a $35 annual fee, and with Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you earn two miles per dollar spent on travel and restaurants, with a $95 annual fee. Points are worth 25 percent more if booked through Chase.
Discover It Miles Card users earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent, which are doubled at the end of the first year for no annual fee. In addition, they receive an annual $30 in-flight WiFi credit and enjoy no blackout dates as points are tracked in-house by Discover, not any particular airline.
8. Phone a Friend
Employees of airlines receive great perks, including the ability to fly standby for free throughout the year and access to the airline's passenger systems. If you don't know someone who works for an airline, it's time to make that friend.
Many airlines have done away with (or severely restricted) these buddy passes in recent years, but working in the airline industry (or knowing someone who does) is still more likely to get you an upgrade to first class, regardless of which airline it is.
9. Fly Solo
Upgrading a single ticket is much easier than upgrading tickets for a family of four. If you're traveling with your family, your best bet is to work together to decide who should be upgraded to first class on each trip, rotating who gets the seat on each trip like a nonviolent Game of Thrones.
10. Fly on Your Birthday
Always remember that pilots, flight attendants, and the gate agent are all people just like you and I. A friendly conversation goes a long way, especially when mentioning special occasions like your birthday being today.
"On a recent trip to Hong Kong, we were upgraded to first class thanks to our charm," said John Heaton, managing director at The Heaton Group. "This can also work if it's your birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary. You won't be upgraded for no reason so make sure you let them know you have a genuine reason to be upgraded and with a bit of luck, they'll be listening."
The Tarte Palette of Your Dreams + 23 More Holiday 2017 Beauty Launches
September and October are when the key players in the beauty industry start breaking out some of their biggest, baddest, and quickest-to-sell-out products, and because we quite literally couldn't contain ourselves, we've convinced some of our favorite brands to give us a sneak peek at all the glory that's to come. From that Tarte palette we foreshadowed (yes, it's that wonderful) to the Jo Malone set representing all of your beauty #housegoals, and plenty of snowflake and snowman-clad, limited-edition goodies in between, read on for 24 items we'll be adding to our holiday lists. The good news: some of it's already hitting stores. Merry Autumn!
Best Weight-Loss Advice Straight From Dietitians
Since your diet plays such a huge role in losing weight, we've enlisted the expertise of three nutritionists - certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition, and Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition to tell us the weight-loss tips they share with their clients. Keep these in mind whether you're trying to shed 50 or five pounds.
Don't Live Without
Carb-free, sugar-free, gluten-free. People who go on super-restrictive diets for the sole purpose of getting slimmer may end up losing weight, but they're also going to be super unhappy. This isn't a lifestyle that can be sustained, and as soon as they can't take it anymore and go back to eating all those foods they missed out on, they end up gaining the weight back. That's why Leslie doesn't agree with cutting out entire food groups. She recommends aiming to eat a variety of healthy foods most of the time, and encourages a little indulging every day to satisfy your cravings. Limit the processed foods and refined sugars, and keep your carb intake to 40 percent of your daily calories and you'll start noticing a change.
Mushrooms on Your Pizza Doesn't Count
Leslie says the number one way to lose weight is to eat more veggies. Not only are they low in calories, but they are high in filling fiber, so eating them makes you eat fewer daily calories overall. They also contain tons of vitamins and minerals that give you energy and boost your immune system. Load up on the non-starchy veggies like kale, spinach, carrots, beets, broccoli, cucumbers, and salads. The easiest way to eat more veggies is to make a point to include them in every meal and snack, not just on your lunchtime pizza. Throw greens in your smoothies, mash beans in your overnight oats, snack on honey-roasted cinnamon chickpeas, and swap out your pasta for carrot fettuccine.
Three's the Magic Number
Protein, fiber, and healthy fats are the keys you need to unlock your body's feeling of fullness. Protein keeps your energy levels going strong, and both fiber and healthy fats fill you up and keep you feeling full longer. Every meal you eat should include these three things, and every snack you eat, aim to have at least two.
Keep Track
Although protein, fiber, and healthy fats are essential, counting calories is also huge. Stephanie and Willow come up with basic formulas to make eating meals and snacks easier. Here's what to eat for breakfast, the breakdown of what to eat for lunch, also what to eat at dinner, and if you're a nosher, what to eat at snack time to lose weight.
Take a Few Hours to Do This on Sunday
Eating healthy doesn't just happen on its own, you have to make it happen, and that means planning out every bite. Knowing what you're going to eat for every meal and snack saves time, money, and most importantly, keeps you in charge of your calorie intake. On Sunday, take a few hours to plan out and prep your week's diet from breakfast, to snacks, to lunch, and dinner. Make and freeze a big batch of steel-cut oatmeal or smoothie freezer packs for breakfast. Ensure you eat a huge salad a day by making five mason jar salads. Do what you can to prep your week's worth of dinners by cutting up veggies you'll be using for soups or roasting, cooking up rice for burritos, marinating tofu for stir-fries, or making beans in the crockpot. Make some protein balls for post-workout snacks. The more you plan, the easier it is to stay on your healthy path.
23 Travel Essentials Our Editors Can't Fly Without
What you bring with you in your luggage or carry-on can truly make or break a trip. Sure, you may be able to purchase a replacement at your stop, but nothing can beat your favorites. I asked POPSUGAR editors for their travel must haves, and they shared their beauty, tech, and comfort essentials ahead. See 23 items that will make your next vacation the best.
The Easiest Way to Clean the Lint Vent in Your Dryer (and You Should Do It Today!)
House fires caused by dryer lint are a real thing. I don't want to add to your list of worries, so let me share a secret with you: cleaning this part of your front-loading dryer is easy. Plus, I have a great hack for you involving an empty paper towel roll. You always knew there was a use for those things! Here's the simple three-step process. Bonus: cleaning your dryer will make it run more efficiently and save you a bit of dough by saving energy.
1. Clean the Lint Trap
You should clear the lint trap, the little screen at the front of the dryer, with every load. Simply pull the lint off the screen and put it in the trash. Dryer sheets can clog the screen, making your dryer less efficient, so you should give the screen a scrub periodically - twice a year will do. Here's how: pull the entire screen out, take it to the sink, gently scrub it with dish soap and a bottle brush (be careful not to tear or puncture the screen), rinse, and dry. While it's drying, tackle cleaning the vent.
2. Clean the Vent
The vent, essentially a hose between the lint trap and the outside of your house, can become clogged with lint, too. You want to vacuum this vent, but chances are high your vacuum nozzle designed for crevices is too thick to fit down into the vent. But I found a simple solution for this issue on the blog Intentional Mom. To extend the vacuum hose, take the interior tube of a paper towel roll, and tape it onto the nozzle. You need to make it airtight so the vacuum has adequate suction. Squish the end of the tube to make it narrow, shove it down the vent, and vacuum all that excess lint.
3. Clean the Vent From the Outside
You get bonus points for this part. Find where the dryer vent hose exits your house, open the vent door, and vacuum out this end, too. I found a surprising amount of lint hanging out in the end of my vent.
72 Beautiful Wedding-Invite Printables to Download For Free!
Think you have a ton to spend on wedding invites? Think again. Wedding costs add up, so we've rounded up some of the best wedding-invitation printables out there, ranging from the artsy to the sweet, that might just change your mind on purchasing invites.
Becca's New Highlighter Palette Just Dropped - Here's How to Use It
Chances are, we don't need to tell you how great Becca's highlighters are. From its mini powders to its shiny lip glosses, the beauty-girl-favorite brand is beloved for giving users an out-of-this-world glow. So get out your wallets, because there's a new, limited-edition Becca palette in town - and it's going to light you up something fierce.
But as with adding any new release into your rotation, there may be a learning curve. The Becca Light Waves Palette ($34), which includes three Shimmering Skin Perfectors, might take a little getting used to. The hues are Moonstone, a gold; Prismatic Amethyst, a lavender; and the brand-new, exclusive-to-Light Waves Pink Sapphire, a chrome peach.
How, exactly, do you get these powders to look as pretty on your face as the colors do in the pans? Becca Global Style Director Kerry Cole gave us some ideas for getting the most out of Light Waves. According to Cole, Moonstone looks great when applied wet on the cheekbones or as a base eye shadow coat. She also loves layering Prismatic Amethyst over a colored lip gloss or swiping it over the tip of a wet coat of mascara for a frosty, textured lash look. Cole recommends using the newbie Pink Sapphire as a topcoat for your favorite blush. She also advised applying it over a clear lip gloss, because it omits a twinkling pop of pink that's the stuff Winter princess dreams are made of.
Of course, this is all just a road map; the final look is up to you, and (as always) experimentation is encouraged! But you won't be able to play around forever - like we said, this palette is limited edition, so sweep it up while you can.
Drift Off to Sleep With This Yoga Sequence
If you're having trouble settling down before bed, then unroll your mat and give this gentle yoga sequence a whirl. These poses are designed to bring your senses inward and to stretch the areas that are most prone to tension, so your mind and body will feel relaxed and ready for sweet slumber. Brush your teeth, slip into your jammies, turn down the lights, and start stretching.
Refresh and Clean Your Car Seats With Ease
Car seats can be big collectors of gunk, food bits, and spills. Give your car seats a quick cleaning that will leave them free of stains and smelling fresh. Pick a bright day to harness the power of the sun to speed-dry your clean car seats. Finish with a spritz of linen spray for a really fresh vehicle.
What You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons dish soap
- 2 tablespoons washing soda
- 2 cups hot water
- Mixing bowl
- Cleaning brush
- Clean towel
- Linen spray (optional)
Directions:
- Start by giving your seats a quick vacuum, or gently wipe with the dry cleaning brush to remove any bits and also give the fabric a bit quick refreshing.
- Mix together the cleaning solution to use on your seats. Dish soap is so gentle, lifting grease stains while refreshing the fabric, and washing soda is also a cleaning booster that leaves your seats happy. And both are safe to use on fabrics. Add the hot water, and give it a quick whisk.
- Lightly dip the cleaning brush in the mixture, and then work over car seats in a circular motion. You're not looking to soak the fabric - just slightly dampen it to lift any stains. This also helps to remove any pilling from the upholstery.
- Wipe the car seat with a towel, and continue working until all seats have been cleaned. Lower the windows, and let air dry.
- Finish by giving your car another vacuuming using the hose attachment, and then spritz with linen spray. You'll love your wonderfully smelling vehicle!
Want more car DIYs? Check out our car-cleaning list.
17 Unique (and Free!) Printable Wedding Programs
Weddings can be pretty expensive, so we've found some of the cutest wedding program printables out there - and they are all FREE.
100 Real-Girl Tiny Tattoo Ideas For Your First Ink
If you're a little nervous about a permanent stamp, the best way to start is with something small. We can tell you firsthand that tattoo removal is no easy feat. Luckily, we have endless inspiration of real-girl tattoos that will leave you feeling less anxious about expressing something on your skin. Whether you're looking for a mark with meaning or just a fun design, keep reading to check out all of these teeny-tiny tattoo ideas.
- Additional reporting by Marina Liao
A Strengthening and Heart-Pumping Workout That Will Only Take You 15 Minutes
Don't waste your time on a long, boring, mundane workout. Here's an eight-move bodyweight workout that moves fast and targets all the major muscle groups you care about: arms, abs, and butt. It will also get your heart rate up, up, up.
Directions: Complete 15 reps for each of the eight moves. Repeat the cycle again decreasing down to 10 reps per move, then a last cycle for five reps. Not enough of a workout for you? Repeat this 15-10-5 workout one or two more times.
The Moves
Articles
